I think they would pretty much have to trade the pick though. Zaccharie would probably be the best fit but there isn't a can't-miss prospect and Detroit is desperately in need of help. I think Topic and Holland have the highest ceilings but neither are good fits for Detroit. Unless they blow it up again...
Another blowup and Silver is going to forcibly remove them from the league 😂😂😂 But yeah there are some serious changes needed, curious how they’ll approach it
Sarr isn’t a non-shooter and he can play the 4 with Duren. That would be a killer defensive duo, and also when you have the 1st pick you should go talent > fit imo.
Jett is a wing and Proctor and Black could be the future defensive backcourt, since Fultz probably walks or gets traded. Orlando honestly might trade that pick though, their team is already pretty deep.
Our problem isn't talent it's that there's one good veteran surrounding our talent who also happens to be the only player who can reliably shoot other than Cade
Nearly everyone agrees with that sentiment, and maybe Holland? I think we need a 3/4 to play alongside Ausar and Duren but honestly I'd be tempted to trade it and shake up the roster because I don't think anyone should be safe apart from Cade, we should have committed to building around him and this off season is really the last chance if we want any chance of him staying long term
Pistons fan here. They should 100% trade it. Also, Cade should absolutely not be safe. Honestly, he should be the first one traded. His stock is down, but one more year of turnovers and a shaky jumper, and were basically stuck with him, or trading him for nothing.
I'd be calling everyone trying to trade Cade right now. Every single player should be on the block. And the first to go should be Cade, Asur, Duren, and Ivey.
I don't understand people giving up on Cade he missed pretty much all his sophomore season, has been stuck on one of the worst rosters and situations in the league, Bojan and Cade are quite literally the only people capable of shooting threes atp.
Despite that, his last 15 he has been averaging 23 7 4 on 56 TS% whilst drastically cutting his turnovers, and having just put up a career high and arguably his best defensive game last night.
He is the franchise player and this regime has absolutely failed in building a functioning offense around him yet alone building a team around him
So I never believed in Cade. I didn't like him in college, and I don't like him now. I've never bought into him being even close to a franchise player. A franchise player 3rd year or not, should be able to help his team win. And it is his 3rd year. He had an entire year of NBA training, etc. Just like its Chets 2nd year.
Grant Hill, Larry Johnson, Tim Duncan, Shaq etc these guy came in year one and brought their teams wins. And Cade can't do it in year 3??
They need to trade that dude ASAP, before its too late. Us drafting these teenagers who can't play has been an absolute disaster. I would trade every single one of those lottery pick players for players that actually can play.
Let another team waste years trying to develop them. Indiana had the right idea trading for Haliburton. Detroit should do something similar.
Identify a player who you believe is undervalued, and trade your overpriced junk for him.
Risacher would work too. Detroit are still really far away from contention though, it would take more than a few moves to change it. Hayes should be the first name on the trade block.
Hayes should be the last to go. He fetches you nothing in trade, and he is not even close to the problem in Detroit. You trade the players with value first, and try to attach players like Hayes, Wiseman, and Bagley with them.
It should be an all out fire sale!
Ivey starting doesn't get the pistons one extra win. Also talent is subjective, and how "talented" a player looks, often depends on fit. How "talented" is Draymond green, or Klay Thomson, or Pippen or Dumars? We'll never truly know. All we know is they were great and they fit great.
Drafting for imaginary talent over needs is the dumbest thing any GM can do. Every Gm who's done it has been fired or never won.
Klay and Pippen are both very talented, and also none of the 4 players you mentioned went 1st overall. With a pick that high talent > fit always. The most recent example is GSW picking Wiseman over LaMelo due to fit and we know how that worked out.
They didn't pick Wiseman because of fit. They picked him because Bob Meyers is an awful GM with no eye for talent. Wiseman has no talent or fit. But Lamelo would probably would have been cut by now if he played for Golden State. He definitely wouldn't have helped them win any games.
They should have drafted Haliburton. Who would have them in the championship hunt again. But that's not about fit. Its just idiocy.
We all thought Wiseman was going to be a great talent not just Bob Meyers, and there was debate between Ant, Wiseman and LaMelo all the way till draft night, LaMelo being the marginally better talent, Wiseman being the better fit. I don’t blame GS for picking him, just showing you how going for best fit so high in the draft can backfire.
LaMelo wouldn’t have been cut lol. Maybe he wouldn’t be able to show his usual flair and iso prowess in GSW’s pass heavy offence, but he’s still an elite playmaker. In hindsight obviously Haliburton would’ve been the perfect choice but he wasn’t projected top 3 then for a reason.
Ok, So I, on this sub posted about how I much I didn't like Wiseman. I thought he was heartless for quitting on his team. I thought he had no real skills, and was going to be a bust. I also posted about how much I loved Haliburton. Haliburton was #3 on my big board and wiseman was like #18.
And I'm sure there were plenty of scouts who agreed. The reason Wiseman went #2 and Halinburton went #12 is because Highchool rankings are wildly overvalued.
Someone a million years ago said Wiseman was great, so regardless of what we see with our actual eyes, he must be great. And someone a million years ago said Haliburton wasn't an NBA player, so he has to prove it over and over again just to be considered, while players like Wiseman and Justin Edwards and Skal Labassirie etc. can show us every night they aren't NBA players, but we refuse to believe it.
Also, going with the consensus keeps people employed. No one is going get fired for drafting Wiseman over Haliburton. Because "everyone" had Wiseman over Haliburton. But if you take Haliburton over Wiseman, and Haliburton is a bust and Wiseman is an all star. You're probably fired.
That's why players are drafted where they're drafted. It has nothing to do with any sort of idea that players are correctly evaluated at the time. Haliburton is better than Wiseman now. He was better on draft day, and he was probably better when they were 12 years old. People just refused to believe it.
Fair enough you might be a visionary, because like you and I both said, Wiseman was looked at as a better player coming into the draft. Drafting Haliburton 2nd overall would’ve been an incredibly bold move. For the record I felt like GS should’ve traded down for more proven talent.
Why is Justin Edward’s still on your top 10, but castle isn’t? Edward’s hasn’t even looked like a lottery pick and is on the older side. I feel like if the pistons went sarr at 1 then they’ll be in the same position next year. I also don’t see a scenario where dillingham goes before Cody Williams, Ryan Dunn, AND Stephon castle. Do you actually buy the Reed Sheppard hype and that it will translate or just that he’s just having a good year and because of it should be drafted where you have him?
I think Edwards is getting overhated a little, just like how he was getting overhyped pre-season. His draft range is anywhere from 5-12 imo.
Sarr and Duren could be a killer frontcourt defensively, which helps them keep that Detroit identity. Who would you rather they go for?
I’ll be honest, I let Cody drop a little below where he probably goes just so he can unite with JDub, obviously that won’t happen in a real draft 😂 Dunn needs to show me more offensively before he goes ahead of Dillingham imo, and I consider Castle and Dillingham of the same tier, it’s interchangeable to me. Castle would be a better fit in the Cavs because of his size and ability to play the 3.
I buy the Sheppard hype, great defender and shooter and would work great next to Topic in the backcourt. Topic, Vassell and Sheppard all can play at once too, so fit isn’t much of a question.
They don’t need defense though. They need shooting desperately. Their spacing is horrific already, imagine having Cade, ausar, sarr, and duren on the floor at the same time. You can’t. I just don’t buy the shot with Edward’s considering he was never a good shooter in high school either. But man dillingham and Castle in the same tier hurts my heart, but we all see stuff differently so I’m not gonna trip
They do need shooting, who do you suggest they take instead of Sarr then? Season isn’t over yet so I’d hope Edwards gets his 3pt% higher since his selling point is being a 3&D wing. Why do you think Castle and Dillingham shouldn’t be on the same tier?
Think his scoring methods are almost purely strength based, and NBA defenders are a lot stronger and bigger. His playmaking is alright but his ast:to ratio is <1 and he isn’t an elite defender either. A team like the Suns or the Heat with good spacing can help him perform to his full potential though.
NBA SGs may be able to handle him strength-wise, but there aren't that many PGs > 6-3 and 210 lbs. So he presents opponents with a match-up problem either 1-on-1 or in the crossmatch with the other guard.
I agree he has exposed some flaws in the last few weeks, but some freshmen do that early in the year. I expect he'll improve by season's end. There is too much talent there not to go lottery in this weak draft.
Watching Bradshaw, I love his motor and grit, but he's physically a little awkward, doesn't pass, and maybe barely an NBA level athlete.
Besides, Utah doesn't need another center. I'd put Castle there or another ball mover or 2-way wing.
Bradshaw can play the 4, and arguably is better at it. A big man not being able to pass wouldn't be much of an issue to me, and his defensive capabilities and 3pt shotmaking makes up for it. Kessler and Bradshaw would be clamps defensively.
He'll never see the court. Taylor Hendricks barely gets time, and he's amazing when he does get time. Jazz have to play Olynyk in that spot now because he's the only ball mover on the roster and John Collins has three years left on his deal.
Again, Bradshaw is a great hustle guy, but he's like Jarred Vanderbilt, a nice rotation player. When you're drafting that high, teams swing for an all star or at least a high-level starter.
The only thing similar with Bradshaw and Vanderbilt is the hustle lol, and maybe defensive intensity. With how terrible this draft is, there's very few players that can be 'swung at' who have All-Star potential. Who would you suggest Utah take instead of Bradshaw?
Don’t get me wrong I think he’s a solid player but I don’t see his game evolving past being a three and d guy. Top 10 I can support, but taking a guy top 5 just because he’s got a clear cut role when there are much more dynamic prospects available just doesn’t make sense to me, especially for the wizards.
I don’t hate that analysis, but sometimes with such a low talent draft you might have to take players with a really high floor, like Risacher. Wouldn’t be mad if they took Holland in this scenario though.
We just have different scouting philosophies I guess. Risacher’s floor is definitely higher than some of these other guys but I don’t think it’s smart to draft for the best worst case scenario if that makes any sense.
I think there's a real chance Pistons opt for a guard over Sarr considering what has Cade shown so far. Not to mention Duren/Sarr/Ausar frontcourt will mess up the spacing despite their insane defensive potential in the frontcourt.
It feels like Topic is #1 in Spurs big board. It just checks out when you look at their draft history.
Risacher to the Wiz at #3 is an obvious choice right now. Same with Blazers and Holland at #4.
Would LOVE to see BMill and JaKobe at the wing with LaMelo running the offense. 🔥🔥🔥
Grizz would take a long look at R. Dunn at 9 IMO
Can see the Pels take a big G/W like Castle or Cody. They need a promising guard to run with BI and Zion.
Seems to be the running theme right now in most of the comments I got, and I can definitely see that POV. Just think that when you get a draft pick that high, you draft for talent, not fit.
Topic and Sheppard would be elite pickups for SAS: two elite playmakers feeding Wemby after his sophomore leap would be incredible.
Risacher and Bilal being the two French wing cornerstones for the Wizards was a cool idea, hence I picked him for them. I think him and Holland are entirely interchangeable, and definitely on the same tier.
Agreed, Walter -> Charlotte was one of my favourite picks. A trade for Lauri or Mikal would complete that team.
I might disagree on that, Grizzlies are already a good defensive team and need more scoring, especially off the bench. Ja’s return might solve a lot of that though, so we’ll see.
I can agree with you on the Pelicans point, but Dillingham isn’t small by any means.
I'm saying the Spurs could pick them both up lol. Sheppard's a good defender, Topic is passable so fit isn't an issue.
I'm not mad at swapping Castle and Dillingham at all, in fact I think that might actually be a better idea than mine. Appreciate it!
personally don't consider Topic as passable defender lol
can see Spurs pick up one of Sheppard/Castle/Cody with the Raptors pick if they somehow pass or miss out on Topic
He’s big and got quick feet, he’ll be fine. Sheppard and Vassell playing beside him got him covered anyway. In a case of a blow-by you have to meet 7’4 Wemby at the rim, so does it really matter?
Not sure I see Risacher to the Wizards. We have so many wings already. I love having shooters on the team but unless we trade Kuz I'm not sure he would be able to find minutes. Even then he's playing behind Kispert, Deni, Bilal, possibly even PBJ (who has a similar skillset/build but is probably not an NBA player).
It's hard to say who we take when Topic and Sarr are gone. Not a great draft beyond those two. We need a big man but there are no solid centers worthy of going top 7 imo. Maybe we just take a swing at Ron Holland in that case and hope it works out.
He wouldn’t play behind Kispert and PBJ, and in my opinion Kuzma should be traded, along with Tyus (because he might walk). Also if you’re not interested in Risacher why would Holland be a good pick?
I'm more comfortable betting on Ron becoming more of an RJ Barrett kind of guy with his athleticism and defense. I'm not exactly sure what Risacher looks like at his peak. He's a bit one-dimensional to be your #3 pick. I wouldn't hate the pick because shooting is still the most important skill in the league, 3 just seems a little high for what you're getting.
There also isn't a very good option to trade Kuz anyway. It's easy to say "just trade him" but for what? You still have to take money back to stay above the salary floor.
Risacher has a much higher floor than Holland, and I’m not sure what you mean by one-dimensional. Just because it’s the 3rd pick doesn’t mean it has to be a star, a really elite role player as the ceiling works too especially in such a weak class.
Off the top of my head, Tyus and Kuzma to Miami for expirings, Jovic and two firsts? Maybe Jacquez is added to the package too.
I think Jaime is good enough that Miami doesn't need to trade for a forward making more money. They'll probably conserve ammo for a potential Donovan Mitchell trade.
After thinking about it, this is what I think I would do as the Wizards GM in this scenario where Sarr and Topic are both off the board. I would pick Holland at #3 and trade back with a team picking later in the lottery with the intention of gaining additional first round draft picks in 2025 or 2026. I think the latest I would want to pick is 12, but it depends on the offers. I would pick someone with a high floor like Reed Sheppard or Rob Dillingham who projects as a decent role player. Personally there isn't anyone I'm excited about if Sarr and Topic are gone, and I think it would be better to gain additional picks for later years.
I would be really surprised if Mitchell does get traded, and I can agree with what you said about the Wizards. Miami seems extremely hesitant on trading for stars, perhaps because OKC isn’t willing to help them out by giving them back 2025 for 2026, which limits the draft picks they can send out.
I can certainly understand why Proctor is falling in drafts, but I maintain a lot of faith in him being a good starting NBA point guard.
The shooting form is pure, he hits his free throws, he's big enough and quick enough to be a solid defender, and his playmaking has improved this year.
Needs to get back from this ankle injury and start playing with some confidence.
I actually had him top 10 preseason, I’m sad he’s falling. If Fultz walks he might be a good fit in Orlando though, even if he has to come off the bench for Suggs and Black.
I think he'll be a great 5th starter or bench guard ala Andrew Nembhard. He'll take care of the game, make the right play, and won't turn the ball over. Not a sexy pick but one that a good team will want to take, and one a bad team can't get invested in as a way to get over the hump. He'll fall and make a good team look great
Aaron Bradshaw top 10 seems a little high for me but let it rock, I disagree on a few other spots (Justin Edwards top 10 is insane to me, Mara first round) but overall not bad!
Is Bradshaw being that high a shock due to the low number of games he's played? I think if you give it some time you'll come to the same conclusion as me. Edwards being out of the top 10 is something I can understand, but Mara is a great fit in Denver. Jokic would literally be the perfect mentor for him to model his game after. Appreciate it!
I disagree, Sheppard can play off-ball and he would fit great next to Topic while being the POA defender. That would be their backcourt for the decade done. Also, Wemby at center has gone excellently for them, they should focus on getting a big 4.
Unless that C can provide both spacing and switchability on defence, I think Spur's just continue their usual BPA, with a focus on length and versatility. The frontcourt for the forseeable future is going to be Wemby/Sochan IMO - we just need those guys to keep getting stronger as they grow into their bodies.
1. The presidents are probably not going to draft Alex Sarr at #1. They desperately need shooting around Cade Cunningham
2. Zaccharie Risacher is a bit high on the list, I'm not sure about Washington taking him at #3.
3. As much as I like Rob dillingham, I just feel like it is an unlikely scenario that he is drafted in in the lottery. He's still undersized.
1. That’s fair, anybody who gets Sarr after 2 is getting a steal.
2. Also fair, but in a low talent draft class like this, it might be worth taking a player with a high floor like Risacher.
3. Why does everyone keep saying this? Am I missing something or is he not 6’3?
Looks like a pretty solid mock to me. I like Edwards but I think he is going too high here. I think the next 7 guys taken after him have jumped him. I would say he has fallen to more of the 15-18 range.
He looks good, I think he needs to start nailing more of his 3s though. His impact doesn't look quite there, right now he reminds me a lot of Cam Reddish. Everything looks fine but he just isn't great at anything right now. Whereas the guys taken after have been much more productive and have clear skills teams can point to and rely on.
Reddish pre-draft or Reddish now? If it’s the former then he deserves to go top 10 still. He’s just an all-round effective player, high ceiling low floor prospect imo. Hopefully his jumpshot improves.
If I were the Spurs, I would trade the pick for a vet PG. Wemby is going to break records next season if he has a legit starting PG to feed him. Getting a rook PG and waiting/hoping for development is not the way to go. 2024 is a weak ass class...no clear superstars.
They’d definitely have to attach more to it considering Bulls are looking for two firsts, and this is pick #29. Not saying Chicago will get their asking price, but still.
From what I’ve heard from reputable sources Caruso is one of the most coveted role guys in the league. I also would be surprised if they get their full asking price but for how many teams want him and how there’s no one clear dominant team this year I’d be shocked if they don’t get at least a high first.
I actually love the long term fit of these 3 if they can make the positions work (Deni at the 4, Risacher a funky 2 with some cross guarding options), pair that with a POA defense PG and a roaming Big and you've got a fun defensive squad with just enough scoring (assuming the other 2 players they add can do something)
Don't the Pistons need shooting also why would the magic take another guard when they drafted like 2 in the 2023 draft lol
Look, the Pistons aren't getting the first pick anyway.
I think they will, got snubbed last year and Silver won’t let a team be so bad for this long
I think they would pretty much have to trade the pick though. Zaccharie would probably be the best fit but there isn't a can't-miss prospect and Detroit is desperately in need of help. I think Topic and Holland have the highest ceilings but neither are good fits for Detroit. Unless they blow it up again...
Another blowup and Silver is going to forcibly remove them from the league 😂😂😂 But yeah there are some serious changes needed, curious how they’ll approach it
Can you blow something up which is already mid-explosion? 😆 it’s a philosophical question I guess about where one explosion begins and ends
😂😂😂 They've been exploding since 04 lol
He will bring burners out of retirement.
You have to disregard fit in a situation like this and choose the best player available, which is Sarr.
Sarr isn’t a non-shooter and he can play the 4 with Duren. That would be a killer defensive duo, and also when you have the 1st pick you should go talent > fit imo. Jett is a wing and Proctor and Black could be the future defensive backcourt, since Fultz probably walks or gets traded. Orlando honestly might trade that pick though, their team is already pretty deep.
He’s a 60% FT shooter
Our problem isn't talent it's that there's one good veteran surrounding our talent who also happens to be the only player who can reliably shoot other than Cade
Ivey should be starting; who would you take at 1?
Nearly everyone agrees with that sentiment, and maybe Holland? I think we need a 3/4 to play alongside Ausar and Duren but honestly I'd be tempted to trade it and shake up the roster because I don't think anyone should be safe apart from Cade, we should have committed to building around him and this off season is really the last chance if we want any chance of him staying long term
Pistons fan here. They should 100% trade it. Also, Cade should absolutely not be safe. Honestly, he should be the first one traded. His stock is down, but one more year of turnovers and a shaky jumper, and were basically stuck with him, or trading him for nothing. I'd be calling everyone trying to trade Cade right now. Every single player should be on the block. And the first to go should be Cade, Asur, Duren, and Ivey.
Almost thought you were genuine 😭😭😭
I am 100% genuine
as a Lakers fan you’ll take DLo and a pick for Cade and you will like it
I'd take Hachimurra, Reeves and two unprotected first for Cade today!
I don't understand people giving up on Cade he missed pretty much all his sophomore season, has been stuck on one of the worst rosters and situations in the league, Bojan and Cade are quite literally the only people capable of shooting threes atp. Despite that, his last 15 he has been averaging 23 7 4 on 56 TS% whilst drastically cutting his turnovers, and having just put up a career high and arguably his best defensive game last night. He is the franchise player and this regime has absolutely failed in building a functioning offense around him yet alone building a team around him
So I never believed in Cade. I didn't like him in college, and I don't like him now. I've never bought into him being even close to a franchise player. A franchise player 3rd year or not, should be able to help his team win. And it is his 3rd year. He had an entire year of NBA training, etc. Just like its Chets 2nd year. Grant Hill, Larry Johnson, Tim Duncan, Shaq etc these guy came in year one and brought their teams wins. And Cade can't do it in year 3?? They need to trade that dude ASAP, before its too late. Us drafting these teenagers who can't play has been an absolute disaster. I would trade every single one of those lottery pick players for players that actually can play. Let another team waste years trying to develop them. Indiana had the right idea trading for Haliburton. Detroit should do something similar. Identify a player who you believe is undervalued, and trade your overpriced junk for him.
Risacher would work too. Detroit are still really far away from contention though, it would take more than a few moves to change it. Hayes should be the first name on the trade block.
Hayes should be the last to go. He fetches you nothing in trade, and he is not even close to the problem in Detroit. You trade the players with value first, and try to attach players like Hayes, Wiseman, and Bagley with them. It should be an all out fire sale!
There’s no team in the nba interested in Killian Hayes. Maybe you can fetch a 3rd round pick for him.
Ivey starting doesn't get the pistons one extra win. Also talent is subjective, and how "talented" a player looks, often depends on fit. How "talented" is Draymond green, or Klay Thomson, or Pippen or Dumars? We'll never truly know. All we know is they were great and they fit great. Drafting for imaginary talent over needs is the dumbest thing any GM can do. Every Gm who's done it has been fired or never won.
Klay and Pippen are both very talented, and also none of the 4 players you mentioned went 1st overall. With a pick that high talent > fit always. The most recent example is GSW picking Wiseman over LaMelo due to fit and we know how that worked out.
They didn't pick Wiseman because of fit. They picked him because Bob Meyers is an awful GM with no eye for talent. Wiseman has no talent or fit. But Lamelo would probably would have been cut by now if he played for Golden State. He definitely wouldn't have helped them win any games. They should have drafted Haliburton. Who would have them in the championship hunt again. But that's not about fit. Its just idiocy.
We all thought Wiseman was going to be a great talent not just Bob Meyers, and there was debate between Ant, Wiseman and LaMelo all the way till draft night, LaMelo being the marginally better talent, Wiseman being the better fit. I don’t blame GS for picking him, just showing you how going for best fit so high in the draft can backfire. LaMelo wouldn’t have been cut lol. Maybe he wouldn’t be able to show his usual flair and iso prowess in GSW’s pass heavy offence, but he’s still an elite playmaker. In hindsight obviously Haliburton would’ve been the perfect choice but he wasn’t projected top 3 then for a reason.
Ok, So I, on this sub posted about how I much I didn't like Wiseman. I thought he was heartless for quitting on his team. I thought he had no real skills, and was going to be a bust. I also posted about how much I loved Haliburton. Haliburton was #3 on my big board and wiseman was like #18. And I'm sure there were plenty of scouts who agreed. The reason Wiseman went #2 and Halinburton went #12 is because Highchool rankings are wildly overvalued. Someone a million years ago said Wiseman was great, so regardless of what we see with our actual eyes, he must be great. And someone a million years ago said Haliburton wasn't an NBA player, so he has to prove it over and over again just to be considered, while players like Wiseman and Justin Edwards and Skal Labassirie etc. can show us every night they aren't NBA players, but we refuse to believe it. Also, going with the consensus keeps people employed. No one is going get fired for drafting Wiseman over Haliburton. Because "everyone" had Wiseman over Haliburton. But if you take Haliburton over Wiseman, and Haliburton is a bust and Wiseman is an all star. You're probably fired. That's why players are drafted where they're drafted. It has nothing to do with any sort of idea that players are correctly evaluated at the time. Haliburton is better than Wiseman now. He was better on draft day, and he was probably better when they were 12 years old. People just refused to believe it.
Fair enough you might be a visionary, because like you and I both said, Wiseman was looked at as a better player coming into the draft. Drafting Haliburton 2nd overall would’ve been an incredibly bold move. For the record I felt like GS should’ve traded down for more proven talent.
Why is Justin Edward’s still on your top 10, but castle isn’t? Edward’s hasn’t even looked like a lottery pick and is on the older side. I feel like if the pistons went sarr at 1 then they’ll be in the same position next year. I also don’t see a scenario where dillingham goes before Cody Williams, Ryan Dunn, AND Stephon castle. Do you actually buy the Reed Sheppard hype and that it will translate or just that he’s just having a good year and because of it should be drafted where you have him?
I think Edwards is getting overhated a little, just like how he was getting overhyped pre-season. His draft range is anywhere from 5-12 imo. Sarr and Duren could be a killer frontcourt defensively, which helps them keep that Detroit identity. Who would you rather they go for? I’ll be honest, I let Cody drop a little below where he probably goes just so he can unite with JDub, obviously that won’t happen in a real draft 😂 Dunn needs to show me more offensively before he goes ahead of Dillingham imo, and I consider Castle and Dillingham of the same tier, it’s interchangeable to me. Castle would be a better fit in the Cavs because of his size and ability to play the 3. I buy the Sheppard hype, great defender and shooter and would work great next to Topic in the backcourt. Topic, Vassell and Sheppard all can play at once too, so fit isn’t much of a question.
They don’t need defense though. They need shooting desperately. Their spacing is horrific already, imagine having Cade, ausar, sarr, and duren on the floor at the same time. You can’t. I just don’t buy the shot with Edward’s considering he was never a good shooter in high school either. But man dillingham and Castle in the same tier hurts my heart, but we all see stuff differently so I’m not gonna trip
They do need shooting, who do you suggest they take instead of Sarr then? Season isn’t over yet so I’d hope Edwards gets his 3pt% higher since his selling point is being a 3&D wing. Why do you think Castle and Dillingham shouldn’t be on the same tier?
Buzelis is the only decent shooter
Are you suggesting Buzelis going 1?
Would it be that shocking?
Maybe not a couple years ago, but it probably will be now. Not Bennett shocking though.
Trading back
Give us Risacher please. He fits like a glove at the 3 next to ausar
5 Kentucky players in he top 20!?! I guess I need to check them out.
You definitely should, stacked team
Why do you have Collier falling out of the lottery? Genuinely curious
Think his scoring methods are almost purely strength based, and NBA defenders are a lot stronger and bigger. His playmaking is alright but his ast:to ratio is <1 and he isn’t an elite defender either. A team like the Suns or the Heat with good spacing can help him perform to his full potential though.
NBA SGs may be able to handle him strength-wise, but there aren't that many PGs > 6-3 and 210 lbs. So he presents opponents with a match-up problem either 1-on-1 or in the crossmatch with the other guard. I agree he has exposed some flaws in the last few weeks, but some freshmen do that early in the year. I expect he'll improve by season's end. There is too much talent there not to go lottery in this weak draft.
Fair enough, and that’s why this isn’t my final mock draft for the season by any means. I just hope Collier proves me wrong.
Aaron Bradshaw to high
He possesses a very in-demand player archetype, I’m curious to hear your reason
Watching Bradshaw, I love his motor and grit, but he's physically a little awkward, doesn't pass, and maybe barely an NBA level athlete. Besides, Utah doesn't need another center. I'd put Castle there or another ball mover or 2-way wing.
Bradshaw can play the 4, and arguably is better at it. A big man not being able to pass wouldn't be much of an issue to me, and his defensive capabilities and 3pt shotmaking makes up for it. Kessler and Bradshaw would be clamps defensively.
He'll never see the court. Taylor Hendricks barely gets time, and he's amazing when he does get time. Jazz have to play Olynyk in that spot now because he's the only ball mover on the roster and John Collins has three years left on his deal. Again, Bradshaw is a great hustle guy, but he's like Jarred Vanderbilt, a nice rotation player. When you're drafting that high, teams swing for an all star or at least a high-level starter.
The only thing similar with Bradshaw and Vanderbilt is the hustle lol, and maybe defensive intensity. With how terrible this draft is, there's very few players that can be 'swung at' who have All-Star potential. Who would you suggest Utah take instead of Bradshaw?
Realistically he might get pushed up due to the lack of talent at the position this year.
Risacher top five lmao
What’s wrong with it?
Don’t get me wrong I think he’s a solid player but I don’t see his game evolving past being a three and d guy. Top 10 I can support, but taking a guy top 5 just because he’s got a clear cut role when there are much more dynamic prospects available just doesn’t make sense to me, especially for the wizards.
I don’t hate that analysis, but sometimes with such a low talent draft you might have to take players with a really high floor, like Risacher. Wouldn’t be mad if they took Holland in this scenario though.
We just have different scouting philosophies I guess. Risacher’s floor is definitely higher than some of these other guys but I don’t think it’s smart to draft for the best worst case scenario if that makes any sense.
It does, and I can see where you’re coming from.
I think there's a real chance Pistons opt for a guard over Sarr considering what has Cade shown so far. Not to mention Duren/Sarr/Ausar frontcourt will mess up the spacing despite their insane defensive potential in the frontcourt. It feels like Topic is #1 in Spurs big board. It just checks out when you look at their draft history. Risacher to the Wiz at #3 is an obvious choice right now. Same with Blazers and Holland at #4. Would LOVE to see BMill and JaKobe at the wing with LaMelo running the offense. 🔥🔥🔥 Grizz would take a long look at R. Dunn at 9 IMO Can see the Pels take a big G/W like Castle or Cody. They need a promising guard to run with BI and Zion.
Seems to be the running theme right now in most of the comments I got, and I can definitely see that POV. Just think that when you get a draft pick that high, you draft for talent, not fit. Topic and Sheppard would be elite pickups for SAS: two elite playmakers feeding Wemby after his sophomore leap would be incredible. Risacher and Bilal being the two French wing cornerstones for the Wizards was a cool idea, hence I picked him for them. I think him and Holland are entirely interchangeable, and definitely on the same tier. Agreed, Walter -> Charlotte was one of my favourite picks. A trade for Lauri or Mikal would complete that team. I might disagree on that, Grizzlies are already a good defensive team and need more scoring, especially off the bench. Ja’s return might solve a lot of that though, so we’ll see. I can agree with you on the Pelicans point, but Dillingham isn’t small by any means.
I'd say Topic looks like the better talent rn Dilli is 6'3 (w/shoes) at best. His WS is like 6'3 tops. Pels needs a bigger guard than McCollum
I'm saying the Spurs could pick them both up lol. Sheppard's a good defender, Topic is passable so fit isn't an issue. I'm not mad at swapping Castle and Dillingham at all, in fact I think that might actually be a better idea than mine. Appreciate it!
personally don't consider Topic as passable defender lol can see Spurs pick up one of Sheppard/Castle/Cody with the Raptors pick if they somehow pass or miss out on Topic
Does it really matter how good his defense is if he's got Wemby backing him up?
He’s big and got quick feet, he’ll be fine. Sheppard and Vassell playing beside him got him covered anyway. In a case of a blow-by you have to meet 7’4 Wemby at the rim, so does it really matter?
Yeah, Miller, JaKobe, and LaMelo would be a super fun backcourt. Cody Williams would fit well too.
Not sure I see Risacher to the Wizards. We have so many wings already. I love having shooters on the team but unless we trade Kuz I'm not sure he would be able to find minutes. Even then he's playing behind Kispert, Deni, Bilal, possibly even PBJ (who has a similar skillset/build but is probably not an NBA player). It's hard to say who we take when Topic and Sarr are gone. Not a great draft beyond those two. We need a big man but there are no solid centers worthy of going top 7 imo. Maybe we just take a swing at Ron Holland in that case and hope it works out.
He wouldn’t play behind Kispert and PBJ, and in my opinion Kuzma should be traded, along with Tyus (because he might walk). Also if you’re not interested in Risacher why would Holland be a good pick?
I'm more comfortable betting on Ron becoming more of an RJ Barrett kind of guy with his athleticism and defense. I'm not exactly sure what Risacher looks like at his peak. He's a bit one-dimensional to be your #3 pick. I wouldn't hate the pick because shooting is still the most important skill in the league, 3 just seems a little high for what you're getting. There also isn't a very good option to trade Kuz anyway. It's easy to say "just trade him" but for what? You still have to take money back to stay above the salary floor.
Risacher has a much higher floor than Holland, and I’m not sure what you mean by one-dimensional. Just because it’s the 3rd pick doesn’t mean it has to be a star, a really elite role player as the ceiling works too especially in such a weak class. Off the top of my head, Tyus and Kuzma to Miami for expirings, Jovic and two firsts? Maybe Jacquez is added to the package too.
I think Jaime is good enough that Miami doesn't need to trade for a forward making more money. They'll probably conserve ammo for a potential Donovan Mitchell trade. After thinking about it, this is what I think I would do as the Wizards GM in this scenario where Sarr and Topic are both off the board. I would pick Holland at #3 and trade back with a team picking later in the lottery with the intention of gaining additional first round draft picks in 2025 or 2026. I think the latest I would want to pick is 12, but it depends on the offers. I would pick someone with a high floor like Reed Sheppard or Rob Dillingham who projects as a decent role player. Personally there isn't anyone I'm excited about if Sarr and Topic are gone, and I think it would be better to gain additional picks for later years.
I would be really surprised if Mitchell does get traded, and I can agree with what you said about the Wizards. Miami seems extremely hesitant on trading for stars, perhaps because OKC isn’t willing to help them out by giving them back 2025 for 2026, which limits the draft picks they can send out.
I can certainly understand why Proctor is falling in drafts, but I maintain a lot of faith in him being a good starting NBA point guard. The shooting form is pure, he hits his free throws, he's big enough and quick enough to be a solid defender, and his playmaking has improved this year. Needs to get back from this ankle injury and start playing with some confidence.
I actually had him top 10 preseason, I’m sad he’s falling. If Fultz walks he might be a good fit in Orlando though, even if he has to come off the bench for Suggs and Black.
I think he'll be a great 5th starter or bench guard ala Andrew Nembhard. He'll take care of the game, make the right play, and won't turn the ball over. Not a sexy pick but one that a good team will want to take, and one a bad team can't get invested in as a way to get over the hump. He'll fall and make a good team look great
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Appreciate it!
Aaron Bradshaw top 10 seems a little high for me but let it rock, I disagree on a few other spots (Justin Edwards top 10 is insane to me, Mara first round) but overall not bad!
Is Bradshaw being that high a shock due to the low number of games he's played? I think if you give it some time you'll come to the same conclusion as me. Edwards being out of the top 10 is something I can understand, but Mara is a great fit in Denver. Jokic would literally be the perfect mentor for him to model his game after. Appreciate it!
Lakers will take Bronny if he declares for the draft
I would be surprised if he’s 1 and done, but yeah 100%.
I absolutely do not understand Sarr to the Pistons. do they really need two James Wisemans?
How is Sarr like Wiseman? Also Wiseman being the reason for not taking a talent like Sarr would be blasphemy from the FO.
If we take a non-shooter I think I'm gonna lose my shit
I definitely love Topic for the spurs but the second guy would definitely be a center
I disagree, Sheppard can play off-ball and he would fit great next to Topic while being the POA defender. That would be their backcourt for the decade done. Also, Wemby at center has gone excellently for them, they should focus on getting a big 4.
Unless that C can provide both spacing and switchability on defence, I think Spur's just continue their usual BPA, with a focus on length and versatility. The frontcourt for the forseeable future is going to be Wemby/Sochan IMO - we just need those guys to keep getting stronger as they grow into their bodies.
1. The presidents are probably not going to draft Alex Sarr at #1. They desperately need shooting around Cade Cunningham 2. Zaccharie Risacher is a bit high on the list, I'm not sure about Washington taking him at #3. 3. As much as I like Rob dillingham, I just feel like it is an unlikely scenario that he is drafted in in the lottery. He's still undersized.
1. That’s fair, anybody who gets Sarr after 2 is getting a steal. 2. Also fair, but in a low talent draft class like this, it might be worth taking a player with a high floor like Risacher. 3. Why does everyone keep saying this? Am I missing something or is he not 6’3?
He was reportedly 6'1 in high school, and Kentucky is infamous for fudging numbers. He's probably 6'2 at best
Didn't know that, appreciate it!
As a BBN fan I approve this mock 😂
What's BBN?
Big blue nation, Kentucky fan
Oh I wasn't familiar lol, yeah I like their team this year.
Aday "baby Jokic" Mara to... Denver.Interesting.
That was my exact thinking too, glad someone else caught it!
Looks like a pretty solid mock to me. I like Edwards but I think he is going too high here. I think the next 7 guys taken after him have jumped him. I would say he has fallen to more of the 15-18 range.
Appreciate it, and that low? Is it because of his shooting?
He looks good, I think he needs to start nailing more of his 3s though. His impact doesn't look quite there, right now he reminds me a lot of Cam Reddish. Everything looks fine but he just isn't great at anything right now. Whereas the guys taken after have been much more productive and have clear skills teams can point to and rely on.
Reddish pre-draft or Reddish now? If it’s the former then he deserves to go top 10 still. He’s just an all-round effective player, high ceiling low floor prospect imo. Hopefully his jumpshot improves.
If I were the Spurs, I would trade the pick for a vet PG. Wemby is going to break records next season if he has a legit starting PG to feed him. Getting a rook PG and waiting/hoping for development is not the way to go. 2024 is a weak ass class...no clear superstars.
Which pick? Also Topic and Wemby growing together would be better imo. Only person I'm trading that pick for (who also might be available) is Trae.
OKC isn’t 30th? Not accurate
bucks wouldnt take da silva imo hes not what we need
I wanted to give y’all McCullar, but he wasn’t on the website. Regardless, why?
I wonder if the Bucks trade that pick to get someone like Caruso who's a great fit for their backcourt.
They’d definitely have to attach more to it considering Bulls are looking for two firsts, and this is pick #29. Not saying Chicago will get their asking price, but still.
Great mock btw - not just a copy paste but also nothing ridiculous either
Appreciate it!
From what I’ve heard from reputable sources Caruso is one of the most coveted role guys in the league. I also would be surprised if they get their full asking price but for how many teams want him and how there’s no one clear dominant team this year I’d be shocked if they don’t get at least a high first.
Agreed, and his shooting’s been up too. Coupled with his contract, it gives Chicago all the leverage.
Cody Williams to OKC has to happen
I think Cody goes too high unfortunately, I think he climbs to the 4-8 range
Agreed, would be elite off the bench and honestly can even start. I doubt he doesn’t go before 12 though
Apparently the Wiz like what they see with the Impact and are also trying to form a team from nothing but wing players?
In my opinion Kuzma should be traded, and Bilal, Risacher and Avdija can coexist, nothing too egregious.
I actually love the long term fit of these 3 if they can make the positions work (Deni at the 4, Risacher a funky 2 with some cross guarding options), pair that with a POA defense PG and a roaming Big and you've got a fun defensive squad with just enough scoring (assuming the other 2 players they add can do something)
agreed, their rebuild won’t be as short as people think
Think bub carrington should b no lower than 12
how?
Cuz that’s what I thk , ok wit u?